Major upgrade on a budget

[chris_p_192]

Hi, first post.
Going to upgrade my currently old PC, however to do this, I need to upgrade every component except case, CD drive and maybe power supply, so it's more like building a new computer.

I have decided on an AMD phenom II X4 processor as I want to make sure my system is upgradable in the future and I can afford an AM3 system, but can't afford Intel's new i7 processor architecture. So far I have decided on AMD Phenom 2 X4 (810) processor, 4GB DDR3 SDRAM, 500GB SATA hard drive, geforce 9800GT and a compatible motherboard. The machine will be used for moderate gaming, and I just want to be able to run games on decent settings (not necessarily absolute maximum), with good FPS.

I selected the components shown below.

Processor: http://www.amazon.co.uk/Phenom-2-6G...7?ie=UTF8&s=electronics&qid=1249240423&sr=1-7

Mobo: http://www.dabs.com/products/gigabyte-am3-amd-770-ddr3-a-gl-5LPR.html?refs=432790000

RAM: http://www.dabs.com/products/corsai...1333mhz-240pin-dimm-50TV.html?refs=4294951079

Graphics card: http://www.dabs.com/products/best-v...-express-dvi-and-hdmi-5LNK.html?refs=42740000

Hard drive: http://www.dabs.com/products/hitach...200rpm-s300-16mb-3-5--4THP.html?refs=42240000

I would just like someone to verify that each of these components will be compatible with each other. Also I currently have a relatively new IDE CD drive - will this still work on the SATA motherboard? I may want to perform some light underclocking - as this is not the black processor model, I am aware that the multiplier on the processor is locked. Will this make a significant difference to overclocking potential? Finally, I have a Jeantech 400W power supply which isn't very old - will this be enough to power the components I want? Thanks in advance.

 

[Calibound88]

wow, that ram looks expensive

 

[chris_p_192]

Yes it's expensive but it's DDR3 - unless there's cheaper alternatives?

 

[metin]

The stock heatsink won't allow you to overclock too much
But I don't think you're trying to set any world records (;
I'm gonna have to recommend a Radeon 4850 to another person lol
http://www.dabs.com/products/sapphire-technology-radeon-hd-4850-512mb-pcie-58NM.html?q=4850

The minimum power required for the 9800GT is 400W
The 4850 is 450W, either way I would play it safe with a new powersupply

I'm pretty sure the 4850 would beat the 9800GT in benches and games
That's only because the 9800GTX is meant to compete with the 4850
Besides, it's around 8 euros cheaper

 

[J03]

http://www.overclockers.co.uk/showproduct.php?prodid=MY-116-OC&tool=3 - That is great ram. I am running it now, and it's great!

It works with my 955 BE, so dont be put off by the Intel Stickers

The stock heatsink won't allow you to overclock too much
But I don't think you're trying to set any world records (;
I'm gonna have to recommend a Radeon 4850 to another person lol
http://www.dabs.com/products/sapphire-technology-radeon-hd-4850-512mb-pcie-58NM.html?q=4850

The minimum power required for the 9800GT is 400W
The 4850 is 450W, either way I would play it safe with a new powersupply

I'm pretty sure the 4850 would beat the 9800GT in benches and games
That's only because the 9800GTX is meant to compete with the 4850
Besides, it's around 8 euros cheaper

I'm nitpicking here, but we use Pounds Sterling in the UK

 

[chris_p_192]

Hmm yes, I will use that RAM instead as it's much cheaper. Is everything else otherwise compatible though?

 

[J03]

Compatible - Yes. Best Price: No.
Get your CPU from Overclockers: http://overclockers.co.uk/showproduct.php?prodid=CP-239-AM
The graphics card is quid cheaper from OCUK too: http://www.overclockers.co.uk/showproduct.php?prodid=GX-179-SP

Your hard drive is cheaper from Overclockers aswell - http://www.overclockers.co.uk/showproduct.php?prodid=HD-030-HI. There is a B-Grade 500GB Seagate on there too, for £30... http://www.overclockers.co.uk/showproduct.php?prodid=BG-065-SE. There is also a Samsung which is somewhere in-between the two - http://www.overclockers.co.uk/showproduct.php?prodid=HD-065-SA

If I where you, I'd also get the motherboard from Overclockers - It's £3 more, but you'll get everything at the same time. http://www.overclockers.co.uk/showproduct.php?prodid=MB-198-GI&groupid=701&catid=5&subcat=1481

 

[chris_p_192]

Wow, thanks for the help! Those price differences will be very useful. If I upgrade power supply, should I go with 500W, or 600W to be safe?

 

[metin]

I'm nitpicking here, but we use Pounds Sterling in the UK

oops lol
well now i know